CVE-2011-5135 in DoceboLMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the save_connection function in lib/lib.iotask.php in the iotask module in DoceboLMS 4.0.4 and earlier allow remote authenticated users with admin or teacher privileges to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) coursereportuiconfig[name] or (2) coursereportuiconfig[description] parameters to index.php.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The CVE-2011-5135 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the DoceboLMS learning management system version 4.0.4 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the iotask module's lib/lib.iotask.php file, specifically within the save_connection function that handles user authentication and privilege escalation. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with administrative or teacher roles to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted input parameters, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability manifests when users with sufficient privileges submit malicious data through the coursereportuiconfig[name] or coursereportuiconfig[description] parameters in the index.php endpoint. This represents a classic SQL injection attack vector that exploits improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's database interaction layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through parameter manipulation within the save_connection function where user-supplied input flows directly into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. When authenticated users with admin or teacher privileges submit malicious payloads through the specified parameters, the application fails to properly escape or validate these inputs before incorporating them into database queries. This creates an opportunity for attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute with the privileges of the affected database user. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The attack pattern follows established methodologies described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation, where adversaries exploit weak input validation to gain unauthorized access to backend database systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive educational data including student records, course materials, and administrative information. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments where DoceboLMS is deployed. The vulnerability affects organizations using legacy versions of DoceboLMS, creating significant risk for educational institutions that may have outdated systems or delayed security updates. The authenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials with administrative or teacher privileges, but once achieved, the impact is severe as these roles typically have broad access to system functionality and data. Organizations relying on this platform face potential regulatory compliance issues, particularly in environments governed by education privacy laws such as FERPA or GDPR, where unauthorized access to student data could result in substantial penalties.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5135 should prioritize immediate patching of affected DoceboLMS installations to version 4.0.5 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit the potential impact of credential compromise, while regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential SQL injection vectors. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can provide additional layers of protection. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in system functionality, while also establishing a robust security patch management process to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future. Security awareness training for administrators should emphasize the importance of keeping software up to date and proper access control practices to minimize the risk of privilege escalation attacks.